Lionel Messi has been handed a three-month international football ban and fined over £41,000 by the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol).
The captain of Argentina’s national football team was handed the ban after accusing Copa America of being “corrupt” and claiming the “cup was fixed for Brazil” after he was sent off during a match against Chile. Messi pushed midfielder Gary Medel and was immediately red-carded by the referee.
Messi said at the time, “We don’t have to be part of this corruption. They have showed us a lack of respect throughout this tournament. Sadly, the corruption, the referees, they don’t allow people to enjoy football, they ruined it a bit”.
Argentina also complained about “serious and gross refereeing errors” during their game against Brazil.
Conmebol disputed the allegations and said they were “unfounded and represent a lack of respect”.
Messi’s sanctions mean he will miss matches from now until October which include games against Germany, Chile and Mexico. The footballer has seven days to appeal the ban and attempt to have it revoked.
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